Attorney - Bankruptcy - Chicago - 270K

A confidential mid-market law firm opportunity is available for a junior to mid-level associate attorney to join a Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights practice in Chicago. This role offers meaningful responsibility on sophisticated creditor-side matters with direct partner collaboration and a clear path for attorneys who want to build a long-term practice.

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT

• Leanly staffed matters and close day-to-day partner access, enabling earlier ownership of workstreams and client-facing development.
• Hybrid schedule with in-office collaboration built into the week.
• Partner-track role for attorneys seeking long-term progression.
• Hours-based bonus program that is not tied to class year.

THE ROLE

• Support creditor-side bankruptcy and creditors’ rights representations, including contested matters and related negotiations.
• Draft and review core restructuring and litigation documents, including pleadings, motions, and supporting papers.
• Manage discovery and case support tasks as needed, working closely with partners on strategy and execution.
• Assist with workouts, restructurings, and related commercial disputes as matters require.

LOCATION, SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION

Location:

Chicago, Illinois.

Schedule:

Hybrid working arrangement with in-office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (flexibility around holidays and client meetings).

Compensation:

$225,000 to $270,000 base salary (USD).

REQUIREMENTS

• 2 to 3 years of post-qualification experience in bankruptcy and/or creditors’ rights (trainable candidates with strong attorney fundamentals will be considered).
• Active Illinois bar admission or eligibility to obtain Illinois admission.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Top 20 law school required (exceptions are very limited and require strong offsetting factors).
• Minimum law school GPA of 3.5 (3.45 may be considered only in exceptional cases).
• Stable employment history (avoid frequent job moves in short periods).

PREFERRED BACKGROUND

• Prior experience at a top law firm and/or a strong boutique practice.
• Federal bankruptcy court clerkship experience.
• Oral argument exposure.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Minimum billables expectation: 1,800 hours (1,850 hours for bonus eligibility).
• Hours-based bonus structure: starts at $77,500 at 1,850 hours; commonly ranges $20,000 to $60,000 at 2,000 to 2,200 hours; up to $120,000 at 2,500 hours.